Ian Watt joins from WSP as Associate
Ian Watt has joined the Manchester office of Ridge and Partners from WSP to bolster its infrastructure team.
The move follows the recent funding announcement for the extension of the West Midlands’ Metro network, on which Ridge is a key advisor.
“Ian has an incredibly strong track record in delivering complex transport infrastructure schemes, including recent extensions of the Manchester Metrolink tram system. Our team managing the tram extension from Wolverhampton to Brierley Hill have the potential to benefit greatly from his experience,” said Chris Haworth, the Manchester-based partner at Ridge leading the firm’s West Midlands Metro project team.
Ridge was first appointed to advise on the business case for the West Midlands Metro in 2009 and has since grown its remit to encompass the full project and programme management function across the expansion programme.
“Delivering major urban infrastructure of this type involves a wide range of technical challenges and performance constraints,” explains Ian Watt. “My experience is in overcoming such barriers to delivery and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to the wide range of challenges that the Ridge project portfolio will present.”
Ian Watt’s former clients include Transport for Greater Manchester, Network Rail, Manchester Airport Group, Transport for London and the Ministry of Defence. The Ridge north west offices in Manchester and Liverpool are currently advising on Stockport Town Centre Access Plan, SEMMMS Bus Rapid Transit, Accessible Oldham, Wigan and Bolton’s recent HIF Forward Funding Bid and KeolisAmey Metrolink business transformation in preparation for operation of the £350m Trafford Park Line extension.